Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Shannon Development was part of the Irish trade mission. It gave a good presentation on the issue of regional development in which the Chinese have a historical interest. The ultimate objective is to get the best package to guarantee increased sustained employment in the mid-west region.

The change in the status of Shannon Airport and the establishment of an independent Shannon Airport Authority is a significant development for the area which was broadly welcomed by business and industrial interests in the region. The key issue is the necessity to underpin it in future because Shannon Airport is probably the most important infrastructure in the region. Issues must still be worked out and this is being done. I am allowing discussions to take place at local level and await responses from other Ministers, particularly the Minister for Transport, before finalising the issue.

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